MXPA06006434A

MXPA06006434A - Dry gas production systems for pressurizing a space and methods of operating such systems to produce a dry gas stream.

Info

Publication number: MXPA06006434A
Application number: MXPA06006434A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Troy I Vanderhoof; Brian Cross; Roger Hanson; Sandy B Becker
Original assignee: Andrew Corp
Priority date: 2005-08-17
Filing date: 2006-06-06
Publication date: 2007-02-16
Also published as: DE602006009348D1; US20070039464A1; EP1754941A3; US7481869B2; EP1754941B1; EP1754941A2

Abstract

A dry gas production system for supplying dry gas to a pressurized space, such as an underground conduit or an aerial cable. The dry gas production system may include a modular enclosure that has a removable support to which multiple dry gas production modules are mounted. The support may be a mobile rack wheeled inside the enclosure and likewise removed from the enclosure while supporting the dry gas production modules. The dry gas production system may include multiple dry gas production modules that are operated as required to meet the dry gas demand for the pressurized space. The module compressor may include a variable frequency drive for driving the compressor motor at different speeds and may optionally include a mount with vibration isolation.

Description

DRY GAS PRODUCTION SYSTEMS TO PRESSURE A SPACE AND METHODS TO OPERATE SUCH SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCE A DRY GAS CURRENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus for supplying dry gas to a space, such as an underground conduit or overhead cable, and methods for operating said apparatus to supply dry gas to these spaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Underground conduits and overhead cables which, for example, can carry multiple bundles of twisted pairs that constitute telephone wiring, are normally pressurized with a dry gas to prevent moisture ingress, for example, through leaking joints between sections. of conduits or cables. The entry of moisture can lead to condensation or formation. Unless it is avoided, the presence of moisture in the atmosphere inside these underground conduits and aerial cables can cause immediate and permanent damage to materials sensitive to moisture in them or cause operational failures, due to, for example, corrosion and tonnage. voltage.

Normally, the source of dry gas that supplies these underground conduits and overhead cables consists of one or more air dryers located in a central office. The standard air dryers consist of nominally air compressors, air drying devices, a dry air distribution network consisting of pneumatically coupled pipes and tubing, and associated operating controls. Cable driers feed the underground ducts, for example, through pipes that extend into underground vaults. These underground ducts must be pressurized throughout their entire length, which can extend many kilometers below the surface. Leakage and other losses create a variable demand on the supply of dry gas to maintain the desired pressure within the underground conduit. The entry of moisture is prevented by maintaining a constant positive pressure of dry gas in the underground conduit, so that the dry gas flows out of the underground conduit and blocks the flow of humid ambient air. Conventional gas dryers use established technologies to generate adequate amounts of dry gas to meet varying demand. For example, many standard gas dryers use conventional "liquid ring" compressors, which are compact but also complex and maintenance-intensive. These compressors are forced to start and stop at intermittent intervals as the cyclical demand for dry gas fluctuates, which causes component wear that accelerates the maintenance requirement and can result in component failure. Conventional gas dryers are also based either on conventional refrigerant drying or, more commonly, conventional pressure swing adsorption (PSA) to generate a dry gas stream. The PSA apparatus and the apparatus used to practice refrigerant drying are complex, maintenance-intensive, and tend to be unreliable during extended periods of operation. In particular, the PSA technology uses drying media which over time can become ineffective. Therefore, what is required is a gas dryer for underground conduits and overhead cables that has a simple construction and lasting reliability and methods to operate such gas dryers that overcome these and other disadvantages of conventional gas dryers and methods. conventional for operating said gas dryers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A is an unassembled perspective view illustrating a cabinet and a mobile shelf for a dry gas production system according to one embodiment of the invention and in which the individual dry gas production modules normally mounted on the Installation shelf are omitted for clarity purposes; Figure 1 B is an assembled perspective view similar to Figure 1 A in which the mobile shelf is installed in the cabinet; Figure 2A is an assembled view of the movable shelf of Figures 1A and 1B in which a pair of dry gas production modules are mounted; Figure 2B is a perspective view showing the assembled dry gas production system; Figure 2C is a schematic pneumatic circuit representative of the dry gas production system of Figure 2B; Figure 2D is an assembled perspective view similar to Figure 2B in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the dry gas production modules are mounted on drawer slides in the cabinet and the electric cables and pneumatic conduits they are omitted for clarity purposes; Figure 3A is a partial cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 3A-3A of Figure 2B; Figure 3B is a detailed view of a portion of Figure 3A; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration isolator according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a side view in partial cross-section of a moving carriage and compressor assemblies for a compressor carried by the moving carriage according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figures 6A and 6B are side views of a compressor mounted on a shelf with compressor assemblies according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a compressor assembly for vertically mounting a compressor in a support plate according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is an unassembled view of the compressor assembly of Figure 7; Figures 9A and 9B are views of a mounting arrangement for coupling a component with the cabinet of a dry gas production system; Figure 9C is a detailed cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 9C-9C of Figure 9B; and Figure 10 is a perspective view of a dry gas production system according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, a housing or cabinet 12 for a dry gas production system 10 (Figures 2A-2C) includes a lower panel 14, opposed side panels 16, 18 extending upwardly from lateral edges of the lower panel 14, a rear panel 20 extending upwardly from a trailing edge of the lower panel 14, and an upper panel 22 which is connected to the upper ends of the side panels 16, 18 and the back panel 20. The panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are secured, for example, with conventional fasteners towards the outside of a frame 24 of interconnected transverse beams and vertical beams to limit the enclosed space and generally consist of thin rectangular plates of metal sheet. Access to the interior of the cabinet 12 is provided through an access panel 26 fixed to the frame 24. The access panel 26 can be manipulated between a removed or opened condition, as illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, and a position closed (not shown) to control access to an access opening 21. Access panel 26 is secured around its periphery to cabinet 12 with conventional fasteners. Another smaller fixed panel (not shown) closes the open space between the upper edge of the access panel 26 and the upper panel 22.

A movable shelf 28 is adapted to receive and support one or more dry gas production modules 30, 32 (Figure 2A) with the module 30 on the module 32. The modules 30, 32 are mounted on the shelf 28 with a stacked arrangement . The shelf 28 is equipped with an open frame 34 of interconnected vertical and horizontal beams and a plurality, for example, of four bearing elements 36, such as rollers, wheels, or rollers that contact the floor 38 in various support locations . Each bearing element 36 is fixed to the frame 34, at, or near a corner around the base of the shelf 28. When the access panel 26 is opened, the mobile shelf 28 can be moved towards the cabinet 12 to provide a configuration of operation to produce dry gas and can be removed from the cabinet 12 to access the dry gas production modules 30, 32. Advantageously, the combination of the fixed cabinet 12 and mobile shelf 28 facilitates installation and provides simplified maintenance accessibility . The shelf 28 defines a module support that allows the dry gas production modules 30, 32 to be removed from their respective operating positions within the cabinet 12 to a service position at least partially outside the cabinet 12 without the technician service has to physically lift or load the entire weight of the module 30. A controller 46 and a gas reservoir 48 are operatively coupled with the dry gas production modules 30, 32. The controller 46 and dry gas reservoir 48 remain fixed to the cabinet 12 when removing the mobile shelf 28, as well as various electrical cables and pneumatic conduits interconnecting the modules 30, 32 with the controller 46 and gas reservoir 48 during the operation of the dry gas production system 10. After the shelf 28 moves into an operative position within of the cabinet 12, the electrical cables and pneumatic conduits required are connected to the modules 30, 32. Before the shelf 28 is removed from the cabinet 12, these same electric cables and pneumatic conduits are decoupled and disconnected from the modules 30, 32. The movable shelf 28 can roll with respect to the floor 38 and - cabinet 12 when pushing or pulling the shelf 28. It will also be appreciated that the surface that can be considered the floor 38 should be interpreted broadly to include, for example, a terrestrial surface. It will also be appreciated that the shelf 28 can be moved through other types of surfaces, such as a floor of a truck bed, which also, should be considered as the floor 38. The bearing elements 36 can incorporate features and structures Additional optionals, such as wheel insurance and the like. When the mobile shelf 28 is parked by docking inside the cabinet 12, the mobile shelf 28 becomes a component of the cabinet 12 and the dry gas production modules 30, 32 are located in respective operative locations within the cabinet 12: In the in a stationary position, the bearing elements 36 can mesh with detent features, in the form of notches 40, defined in the lower panel 14 of the cabinet 12, which limits or restricts the movement of the shelf 28 with respect to the cabinet 12. Although the coupling between the rolling elements 36 and notches 40 restricts the movement of the shelf 28 with respect to the cabinet 12, the rolling elements 36 can be decoupled from the notches 40 by application of a relatively low manual force to remove the shelf 28 from the cabinet 12. The notches 40 are arranged around a central opening or cut in a configuration with relative spacings so that each of the bearing elements 36 is received in one of the corresponding notches 40 to dock the shelf 28 with the cabinet 12. The width of each notch 40 and the depth of each notch 40, which is determined by the thickness of the metal sheet constituting the lower panel 14, are selected so that the corresponding bearing element 36 received therein and confined between the edges of the notch is locked in position with a sufficient strength of resistance to resist inadvertent movement. In general, the width of each notch 40 closely matches the effective width of the corresponding bearing element 36, which is determined, among other factors, by the external diameter of the bearing element 36 and the thickness of the lower panel 14. invention contemplates that the lower panel 14 can be raised above the floor 38, for example, through supports (not shown) fixed to the base of the cabinet, which would affect the width of the notches 40 since the plane of the lower panel 14 would rise above the floor 38 which makes contact with the bearing elements 36. With reference to Figures 2A-2C, each of the dry gas production modules 30, 32 includes a compressor 42 and a membrane dryer 44. having an input pneumatically coupled with the compressor 42. An electronic controller 46, which is shared by the modules 30, 32, is electrically coupled with a motor 47 of the compressor 42 of each of the modules s 30, 32. The electronic controller 46 may be a programmable logic controller ("PLC") or another microprocessor-based controller capable of executing software and performing the functions described herein, as understood by the experts in the art. technique. Arranged in the pneumatic circuit between the compressor 42 and the membrane dryer 44, are, in sequence, a thermal exchanger 53, a water separating filter 55, and a coalescing filter 57, which cooperate to restrict the migration of liquids and aerosols to the membrane dryer 44. The ambient air pumped from the compressor 42 it is exposed to the coalescing filter 57, which fuses any aerosol or other liquid in the ambient air stream in small drops. The heat exchanger 53 conditions the ambient air temperature, typically by reducing the ambient air temperature, so that the water separating filter 55 can more efficiently and effectively remove the condensate. of the environmental air.

Under control of the electronic controller 46, the pressurized dry gas discharged from one outlet of each membrane dryer 44 is directed towards a gas reservoir 48, also placed inside the cabinet 12 at a location above the modules 30, 32. The gas reservoir 48 stores a compressed volume of the pressurized dry gas. The gas reservoir 48 is pneumatically coupled via an outlet line 50 with a space 52, such as an underground conduit, a transmission line, or an overhead cable, which represents the receiver of the dry gas stream. A regulator 54 is stationed at the outlet line 50, as well as a flow sensor 56 that continuously monitors the flow rate of the dry gas through the outlet line 50. The flow sensor 56 can be any conventional type of sensor of flow capable of detecting or measuring fluid flow, generating an analogous or digital signal indicating the detected fluid flow, and communicating an indication of the flow velocity as a digital or analogous electrical signal to the electronic controller 46. For example, the flow sensor 56 can measure the flow of dry gas through an orifice in the outlet line 50 with which flow sensor 56 is operationally coupled. Flow sensor 56 can communicate over a communication link, such as a cable, RF link or IR link, with the electronic controller 46 either continuously or intermittently when interrogated by the electronic controller 46.

The motor 47 of each compressor 42, which may be oil free and with sealed bearings, has an actuator 45 controlled by the electronic controller 46. Each compressor 42 supplies a stream of ambient air at atmospheric pressure and ambient moisture content to the dryer of respective membrane 44. Each membrane dryer 44 includes one or more membranes (not shown) that operate to remove water molecules from the flowing air, as well as other gaseous species including oxygen. Water vapor, in particular, efficiently penetrates the walls of the porous membrane and is collected as a liquid for subsequent exhaust into the surrounding environment. As a result, the membrane dryer 44 depletes the humidity of the incoming air so that the moisture level or moisture content of the dry gas stream leaving the membrane dryer 44 is significantly lower than the ambient dew point. The electronic controller 46, which operates to control the compressor 42 of each module 30, 32, includes various alarm indicators (not shown) to alert a user to various conditions, such as an abnormal flow increase in the pressurized space 52 as detected by the flow sensor 56. Each of the alarm indicators can be any suitable lamp or light emitting diode, or it can be integrated into a digital display. The flow sensor 56, which is electrically coupled with the controller 46, operates to provide high flow alarm functionality, during the transfer of dry gas, which indicates the presence of leaks in the pressurized space 52 and loss of dry gas through these leaks. Any downstream leakage in the pressurized space 52 is detected efficiently and effectively with the aid of the flow sensor 56. Generally, the pressurized space 52 can lose small volumes of dry gas without initiating a low flow alarm. However, the controller 46 monitors the presence of abnormal leaks, such as a greater rupture of the pressurized space 52 that generates an increase in perceptive and significant flow, which will require human intervention. It is considered that the response time of the flow sensor 56 is significantly faster than the response time of a conventional pressure sensor, which is typically used to detect these relatively large leaks in the pressurized space 52. In order to maintain adequate pressure and flow through the membrane dryer 44, a flow control device 41 is installed in the outlet path of the membrane dryer 44. Since the dry gas flow varies from the corresponding compressor 42, thereby varying the membrane inlet of the membrane dryer 44, the flow control device 41 forces the membrane output flow to be directly proportional to the membrane back pressure, which helps to maintain the performance of the membrane. The ambient air flow velocity to the membrane dryer 44 of each module 30, 32 is regulated by controlling the operation of the engine 47 of the corresponding compressor 42. It is not necessary for each compressor 42 to operate continuously in order to dehumidify the Effectively, the dry gas stream flowing into the pressurized space 52. For this purpose, the controller 46 uses analog pressure indications received from a pressure sensor 58 on the output line 50 to control the on / off duty cycle. of the operation of the compressor 42 according to the pressure of the system measured to maintain a target system pressure. The pressure sensor 58 can optionally have an outlet to the atmosphere inside the gas tank 48 instead of the outlet line 50. The pressure sensor 58 communicates pressure indications to the electronic controller 46 on a communication link, such as a cable, RF link, or IR link. The pressure sensor 58 can be any conventional type of pressure sensing device capable of detecting fluid pressure, generating an analog or digital signal indicating the detected fluid pressure, and communicating an indication of the fluid pressure as an electrical signal digital or analogous to the electronic controller 46. The pressure sensor 58 may be configured to measure either the total pressure or static pressure, and may be any of numerous pressure detection devices known in the art including, but not limited to a capacitance sensor, a voltage indication sensor, a piezoresistor sensor, and a thermal sensor. The gas flow demand is monitored by continuously or intermittently detecting the pressure level with the pressure sensor 58 either at the outlet line 50 or in the gas tank 48 or by continuously or intermittently detecting the speed of flow with the flow sensor 56. The demand for subsequent flow is used to start and stop the motor actuators of the compressors 42. Specifically, the controller 46 starts and stops the compressor 42 of each individual module 30, 32 to respond to a variable flow demand. One of the compressors 42 is turned off (i.e., the power to the corresponding motor actuator is discontinued) once the flow demand rises above a predetermined upper level and one of the compressors is turned on (i.e., energized). the corresponding stopped motor actuator) if the flow demand is less than a predetermined lower level. If the flow demand dictates that only a single compressor is in operation, each of the individual compressor modules 30, 32 is operated consecutively in a redundant standby operational mode to avoid uneven wear. A differential pressure sensor 59 can be used to monitor the fluid pressure by communicating with the pneumatic circuit in separate locations upstream and downstream of the coalescing filter 57. The differential pressure sensor 59 provides the controller 46 with an indication of the pressure measured fluid. The differential pressure sensor 59 communicates pressure indications to the electronic controller 46 on a communication link, such as a cable, RF link or IR link. The controller 46 may use the downstream and upstream pressure readings received from the differential pressure sensor 59 to determine a pressure drop through the coalescent filter 57 from the pressure differential. The pressure drop arises from the flow restriction represented by the filter element (not shown) within the coalescent filter 57 and increases as the filter element deteriorates. If the pressure drop reaches a certain higher level, this may indicate that the filter service is convenient. The controller 46 may respond to a pressure decrease that equals or exceeds the upper level determined by issuing a warning to an operator that the filter element in the coalescent filter 57 must be changed. The differential pressure sensor 59 may be any conventional type of differential pressure sensing device capable of detecting and measuring fluid pressure, generating an analog or digital signal that responds to the difference in measured fluid pressure, and communicating an indication of the fluid pressure difference as a digital or analogous electrical signal to the electronic controller 46. The differential pressure sensor 59 can be configured to measure either the total pressure or the static pressure, and can be any of numerous differential pressure sensing devices known to a person skilled in the art. In a typical differential pressure sensor, two diaphragms are each exposed to one of two fluid pressures that will be compared to a transducer that responds to the difference between the two pressures of the processing fluid by producing electrical output signals for indication or control . The differential pressure sensor 59 may include a set of electronic circuits for processing the signal from the transducer before communicating the processed signal to the controller 46. The controller 46 may include a USB port for outputting state sequences to USB compatible devices (printers, etc). Controller 46 may also include an ISP / Manual Dial port to provide the capability to generate alarm status indications to remotely monitored locations, as well as an event log and real-time status display. With specific reference to Figure 2C, the drying circuit or pneumatic circuit of the dry gas production system 10 includes the pneumatic components of the modules 30, 32. The pneumatic circuit may include a dry air feedback loop as understood by the experts in the art. Quick-connect electrical and air inputs and outputs can be incorporated into the modules 30, 32, controller 46 and gas tank 48 to allow rapid exchange (without tools) of the main components. As mentioned above, with the use of pressure monitoring and / or downstream flow of the compressors 42 of the modules 30, 32, multiple compressors 42 can be controlled through the controller 46 to maintain a pressure scale or set point. or matching a gas flow demand with the space 52. The controller 46 can command the compressors 42 of the modules 30, 32, to operate alternately to maintain the desired condition, e.g., pressure or flow, for the dry gas stream flowing in the outlet line 50. Alternatively, the controller 46 can command the compressors 42 to operate simultaneously if only one of the modules 30, 32 is not able to satisfy the dry gas demand of the space 52. The controller 46 may have the logical capability to derive the most economical and reliable combination of compressor amount and frequency of actuator required "to vary the output flow and to match the demand for variable dry gas. Normally, the actuator 45 for the compressor motor 47 will have a fixed power supply system with a constant speed driver circuitry that supplies electrical power in three constant frequency phases, so that the compressor 42 operates at a speed constant. However, optionally, the compressor 42 of one or both modules 30, 32 can be supplied with a variable frequency actuator 45 to increase or decrease the output flows to match the demand. The variable frequency actuator 45 includes a variable speed actuator circuitry that supplies three phase power or single phase power at a variable frequency to the motor 47. The variable frequency actuator 45 allows the motor 47 to be operated at a variable speed in direct proportion to the variable frequency of the actuator 45. The invention contemplates that the "dry gas production system 10 may include additional dry gas production modules similar or identical to the modules 30., 32 which are controlled by the controller 46. Furthermore, the invention contemplates that the additional dry gas production systems 10 can be coupled with the pressurized space 52 at different locations. In this situation, all individual systems 10 are controlled by a single master controller 46 to ensure that the demand for dry gas is adequately satisfied in view of a measured variable, such as pressure or flow. This master controller 46 sends a signal to the motor driver 45 of the individual compressors 42 in each of the dry gas production systems 10 to regulate the operation of the compressor, and thus, the output of dry gas supplied from the compressor. each set of modules 30, 32 towards the pressurized space 52. With reference to Figures 1A and 2A, the frame 34 of the mobile shelf 28 includes two pairs of parallel or horizontal arms or beams 60a, b and 62a, b vertically spaced apart from each other. The beams 60a, b and 62a, b, which can be tubular, are secured and supported by other connecting beams in the frame 34. The dry gas production module 30 is received and supported by beams 60a, b and the module Dry gas production 32 is received and supported by the beams 62a, b. As illustrated in Figure 2A, each of the modules 30, 32 falls directly into the open frame arrangement of the frame 34. The beams 60a, b are vertically spaced from the beams 62a, b, so that the lower module 32 can fall into position within the frame 34. Each of the tubular beams 60a, b and 62a, b includes a plurality, for example, of at least two registration sockets or openings 64, 66 that open into a hollow interior 63 Each of the modules 30, 32 includes a depression-shaped support platform 68 having profiled side panels 70, 72 between which the compressor 42 is located. With reference to Figure 2D, the dry gas production module. 30 can be mounted in the cabinet 12 using a pair of drawer slides 71, 73 flanking the module 30. The drawer slide 71 has a rail 71 a mounted on the chassis of the module 30, a rail 71 b mounted on one or More 24 frame beams, and one bearing (not most Rado) that mounts the rail of the module 71a with the frame rail 71 b for reciprocal longitudinal movement of the module rail 71a with respect to the frame rail 71b. The drawer slide 71 may include additional components, such as a stop to limit the scale of outward movement of the module rail 71a with respect to the frame rail 71 b and a retention and release mechanism that allows relative movement between the rail module 71a and frame rail 71 b. The second drawer slide 73 can be identical in construction to the drawer slide 71. Drawer sliders 71, 73 can have any conventional type of construction recognized by one skilled in the art. The drawer slides 71, 73 collectively define a module support that allows the dry gas production module 30 to be removed through reciprocal longitudinal movement from its operating position within the cabinet 12 to a service position at least partially outside. of the cabinet 12 without the service technician having to lift or physically carry the entire weight of the module 30. The dry gas production module 32 can have a pair of drawer slides, of which only the drawer slide 69 is visible in figure 2D, which are similar or identical in construction to the drawer slides 71, 73 and which provide a similar advantage. With reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the side panel 70 of the dry gas production module 30 includes a laterally flexed portion 75 that provides a platform for a plurality of at least two registration pins 74, of which a pin is shown 74. The flexed portion 75 provides an open space sized to receive beam 60a, which underlies the flexed portion 75 when the module 30 is mounted on the movable shelf 28. The registration pins 74 are either attached or fixed to the side panel 70 in positions resting on the corresponding registration openings 64, 66 in the beam 60a. The registration pins 74 project downward in normal use and have a spacing along the extent of the beam 60a in proportion to the distance between the registration openings 64, 66 in the beam 60a. The side panel 72 of the dry gas production module 32 has an identical set of registration pins (not shown) similarly spaced to engage with the registration openings 64, 66 (FIG. 2B) in the beam 60b. When the module 30 is lowered into position on the mobile shelf 28, as illustrated in Fig. 2A, the registration pins 74 on both side panels 70, 72 engage with the register openings 64, 66 on the corresponding beams 60a , by penetrate through the register openings 64, 66 towards the hollow interior 63 enclosed by the tubular side wall of the beams 60a, b. The contact between the registration pins 74 and the material of the beams 60a, b surrounding the registration openings 64, 66 limits the movement (i.e., translation and rotation) of the module 30 with respect to the beams 60a, b in the horizontal plane. However, the module 30 can be installed and removed through a vertical or elevation movement in a direction normal to the horizontal plane to decouple the registration pins 74 from the registration openings 64, 66. The force required to remove the module 30 is approximately equal to the weight of module 30 because no positive resistance, in addition to weight, is provided against vertical movement by lifting. The passive nature of the coupling between the registration pins 74 and registration openings 64, 66 provides a mechanically simple technique for coupling the modules 30, 32 with the movable shelf 28. The coupling between the registration pins 74 and registration openings 64, 66 also ensures reproducibility in the placement of the modules 30, 32 each time the modules 30, 32 are installed in the mobile shelf 28, which may be important for establishing electrical and pneumatic connections. The register also ensures that the assembled modules 30", 32 do not contact the cabinet 12 when the shelf 28 is parked inside.

The mass of the dry gas production module 30 provides resistance against vertical movement and keeps the registration pins 74 engaged with the registration openings 64, 66 under normal conditions. A small clearance is provided between each registration pin 74 and the corresponding opening of the registration openings 64, 66. The beams 60a, b of the frame 34 support the weight of the module 32. The side panels 70, 72 of the module 32 are they engage with the beams 62a, b in the same manner that the side panels 70, 72 of the module 30 engage the beams 60a, b. A vibration isolator in the form of an elastomeric strip 76 can be used between the side panel 70 and the beam 60a to mitigate and dampen the vibration that originates from the dry gas production module 30. A similar elastomeric strip (not shown) is compressed between the side panel 72 and the beam 60b, as well as between the side panels 70, 72 of the module 32 and the beams 62a, b. The strip 76 includes a registered opening with the registration opening 64 in the beam 60a and through which the registration pin 74 extends. The type of elastomeric material and its durometer, and the dimensions, including the thickness, of the strip Elastomer 76 are selected to provide the desired level of vibration damping. The length of the registration pins 74 is selected to accommodate the thickness of the elastomeric strip 76. Referring to Figure 4 and according to an alternative embodiment, another type of vibration isolator constituted by an elastomeric bag 78 formed of an element Tubular fluid-impermeable material can be arranged between the side panel 70 and the beam 60a. The elastomeric bag 78 is tubular and includes a fluid cavity or reservoir 80 surrounded by a tubular side wall 91 that can be inflated with a fluid or gas to provide damping for the module 30. When the fluid is not present in the reservoir 80, the bag 78 is deflated, so that for example, the movable shelf 28 can be moved with the module 30 in a stable condition without the probability of damaging the bag 78. Optionally, the source of the gas inflating the reservoir 80 can comprise a small portion of the dry gas from one or both modules 30, 32, as shown in Figure 4. In this operating situation, the pressurized fluid within the reservoir 80 can be drained into a vent when the modules 30, 32 are not operating and it can be supplied to the tank only when the dry gas production system 10 is operating. Said bag-type vibration isolators, such as bag 78, provide vibration isolation and yet relax, when deflated, to secure module 30 during installation and maintenance procedures, in a manner similar to conventional suspensions of Self-leveling The bag 78 supports the load represented by the module 30 and dampens the vibrations generated during the operation of the compressor 42. A similar bag 78 can be supplied between the beam 60b and the module 30, and between the module 32 and each of the beams 62a, b. Referring to Figure 5 and in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a compressor 90 for a dry gas production system (not shown) can be mounted on a shelf 92 projecting from a moving shelf 94. When the shelf mobile 94 is mounted to a compatible cabinet 96, shelf 92 and compressor 90 supported on shelf 92 are placed within the housing defined by cabinet 96. When mobile shelf 94 is docked with cabinet 96, conventional fasteners are used 98 to secure the mobile shelf 94 with the cabinet 96. The mobile shelf 94 and shelf 92 become constituent components of the cabinet 96 when secured thereto. The application contemplates that a dry gas module (not shown) similar to the dry gas modules 30, 32 (Figure 2A), can be mounted to the shelf 92. The mobile shelf 94 is equipped with a plurality of, for example, two bearing elements 99, such as rollers, wheels or rollers and of which only one bearing element 99 is visible in FIG. 5, which makes contact with the floor in several support locations. The shelf 94 can be rolled to various locations with the compressor 90 mounted to the shelf 92 in a manner similar to that of the mobile shelf 28 (Fig. 1A). The cabinet 96 includes a cuspid edge 100 near the floor and extends through the width of the opening to the cabinet 96 that receives the shelf 94. The shelf 94 includes a corresponding flange 102 that engages the cuspid edge 100 to assist in docking the shelf mobile 94 with the cabinet 96. The compressor 90 is supported horizontally on the shelf 92 by a pair of identical compressor assemblies 104, 106. Each of the compressor assemblies 104, 106 includes rigid element 108 mounted on the shelf 92, a rigid element 110 mounted on the frame of the compressor, and an elastomeric element 102 coupled to opposite edges by spheres 114, 116 with a corresponding pair of C-shaped slots 118, 120 formed in the assemblies 104, 106, respectively. A mesh 124 extends between the spheres 114, 116 and supplies the vibration isolation for the compressor 90 during operation. With reference to Figures 6A-B where like reference numbers refer to similar features in Figure 5 and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, the compressor 90 can be mounted to the shelf 92 using two indicated compressor assemblies. generally by reference numbers 130, 132 (Figure 6B). The assembly of the compressor 130 includes a skewed support 134 mounted on the underside of the compressor 90 and a mounting element in the form of a rail or rectangular bar 136 mounted to the skewed support 134. Fixed to the three sides of the rectangular bar 136 is find the elastomeric strips 138. The rectangular bar 136 and the strips 138 are dimensioned to be inserted into a U-shaped channel element 140 which is mounted to the ledge 92. When the rectangular bar 136 is installed in the channel member 140, the strips 138 contact the channel element 140 in an interposed manner and, therefore, provide vibration isolation. The assembly of the compressor 132 includes a slanted support 142 mounted to the underside of! compressor 90 and an in-form mounting element of a rectangular rail or bar 144 mounted to the skewed support 142. Fixed on two sides of the rectangular bar 144 are the elastomeric strips 146. The rectangular bar 144 and strips 146 are sized for insertion in a U-shaped channel element 148 which is mounted to the shelf 92. When the rectangular bar 144 is installed in the channel element 148, the strips 146 contact the channel element 148 in an interposed manner, and, therefore, they provide vibration isolation. The rectangular bar 136 is offset from the midline of the skewed support 134 and projects beyond the lateral edge of the support 134. Likewise, the rectangular bar 144 is offset from the midline of the skew support 142 and projects beyond the respective lateral edge of the support 142. These out-of-round allow the rectangular bars 136, 144 to be easily coupled with the elements of the channel 140, 148. The U-shaped channel elements 140, 148 are aligned parallel to each other when they are fixed to the ledge 92. However, the open side of the U-shaped channel of the channel element 140 is oriented differently from the open side of the U-shaped channel of the channel element 148. More specifically, the open side of the channel element 148 channel 140 is oriented vertically and the open side of channel element 148 is oriented horizontally. In use, the compressor 90 is tilted and lowered as shown in Figure 6A so that the rectangular bar 144 laterally enters the channel of the channel member 148. The rectangular bar 144 fits below the upper arm of the element channel. of channel 148, which is shortened in length relative to the opposite lower arm to help insert the bar 144. After the bar 144 partially engages the channel in the channel member 148, the compressor 90 is rotated and lowered as shown in FIG. generally indicated by arrow 150, to provide the assembled condition shown in Figure 6B. In the assembled condition, the elastomeric strips 138, 146 provide vibration isolation between the compressor 90 and the cabinet 96 to which the shelf 92 is fixed and the rectangular bars 136, 144 have a non-contacting relationship with the respective channel elements 140. , 148. With reference to Figures 7 and 8 and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a compressor 160 is mounted to a panel-162 of a cabinet (not shown) by a mounting assembly of the compressor 164. The assembly of compressor assembly 164 includes a first plate 166 that contacts the compressor 160 and a second plate 168 that contacts the panel 162. The plates 166, 168-can be assembled together using a conventional fastener (not shown) extending through a registered pair of openings 165, 167, respectively, to define an assembly. The assembly is mounted to the panel 162 using conventional fasteners (not shown) which are screwed through slots in mounting flanges 161, of which two mounting flanges 161 are visible in Figure 7, in the compressor 160 and the registered pairs of the openings 169, 171 in the plates 166, 168, respectively, are secured to the panel 162.

In the assembled state, the plates 166, 168 of the assembly 164 are separated by a plurality of elastomeric bars 170, 172 near one edge and by another plurality of elastomeric bars 174, 176 near the opposite edge. When the plates 166, 168 are coupled together and oriented to mount the compressor 160 to the panel 162, the bars 170, 172 and the bars 174, 176 are near the upper and lower edges of the compressor mounting assembly 164. The bars 170, 172, 174, 176, which are mounted to the plate 168 provide vibration isolation between the compressor 160 and the panel 162 so that the vibrations generated by the operation of the compressor 160 are damped and at least a portion of these vibrations it is not transferred to the panel 162. Preferably, only a minor component of the vibration is transferred since the bars 170, 172, 174, 176 of the assembly 164 dampen an important component of the vibration. The plate 168 includes a formed portion defining a rectangular cavity 179 at one end and an L-shaped flange 181 at an opposite end of the cavity 179. The bars 174, 176 are partially positioned within the cavity 179, with a portion of each bar 174, 176 extending from the cavity 179. A portion of each of the bars 174, 176 projects beyond the end of the flange 181. The plate 166 includes a rectangular cavity 178 at one end and a flange T-shaped 180 at an opposite end of the cavity 178. An arm or a protrusion 182 projects outwardly from the flange 180 approximately 90 ° to a base portion of the flange 180. In the assembly 164, the cavity 178 is dimensioned to fit over the projecting portion of the bars 170, 172 and the projection 182 is inserted into a narrow space 175 that separates the bars 174, 176. The opening to the cavity 178 in the plate 166 faces the opening to the cavity 179 in plate 168 The bars 170, 172, 174, 176 separate the assembled plates 166, 168 so that the plates 166, 168 have a non-contacting relationship. Instead, a side surface of each of the bars 170, 172, 174, 176, makes contact with the plate 166 and an opposite side surface of each of the bars 170, 172, 174, 176, makes contact with the plate 168. As a consequence, the vibrations generated by the operation of the compressor 160 are damped by the bars 170, 172, 174, 176 and reduced by an amplitude when transferred between the plates 166, 168, instead of directly transferred with amplitude total between the plates 166, 168. The plate assembly is mounted to the panel 162 so that the bars 170, 172, 174, 176, are mainly in compression under the weight of the compressor 160. To prevent a significant shear force , the assembled plates 166, 168 are oriented when mounted to the cabinet 96, so that the bars 170, 172 are compressed between a contact surface of the plate 166 surrounding the cavity 178, and a contact surface of the flange 181 on plate 168 and the bars 174, 176 are compressed between a contact surface of the plate 168 surrounding the cavity 179 and a contact surface of the flange 180 on the plate 166. The bar 174 makes contact with the surface of the flange 180 and the bar 166 contacts the flange surface 180 on opposite sides of the projection 182. With reference to FIGS. 2B and 9A-C and in accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is shown an assembly arrangement for coupling a component, such as the in-line regulator 54, with a panel of a cabinet, such as a side panel 18 of the cabinet 12. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting plate 206 to which the regulator 54 is fixed or otherwise mounted. The mounting plate 206 is captured by a pair of substantially identical securing elements 208, 210 to the side panel 18. The mounting plate 206 and the security elements 208, 210 collectively constitute the mounting arrangement. Each of the security elements 208, 210, includes an L-shaped arm 212 projecting from an inner surface 214 of the side panel 18 by a distance that exceeds the thickness of the mounting plate 206 so that the mounting plate 206 can be freely inserted between the arm 212 and the inner surface 214. Projecting towards the inner surface 214 of the arm 212 is a finger 216 that an elastic cantilever attachment at one end with the arm 212. The finger 216 is separated from the inner surface 214 by a distance less than the thickness of the finger. the mounting plate 206 so that contact between the finger 216 and the ateral panel 18 moves the finger 216 away from the side panel 18. This displacement away from the side panel 18 causes the finger 216 to apply an elastic biasing force against the mounting plate 206 which is sufficient, when the finger 216 of each safety element 208, 210 acts on the mounting plate 206, to secure the mounting plate 206 and the fixed regulator 54 to the side panel 18. Optional concavities 215, of which a concavity 215 is visible in Figures 9A and 9C, may be provided at locations -on the mounting plate 206 that are finally engaged with the fingers 216 of the security elements 208 , 210. The concavities 215 may have shallow voids, or, alternatively, may be open-ended orifices extending through the total thickness of the mounting plate 206. A metal sheet process is used to modify the sheet thin metal of the side panel 18 and thus form the finger 216 of each security element 208, 210. A second metal sheet method is then used to form the arm 212 of each security element 208, 210. In use, the regulator 54 it is fixed to the mounting plate 206. The mounting plate 206 is then moved so that a portion of a side edge 220 of the mounting plate 206 is placed between the finger 216 of the safety element. 210 and the side panel 18. The mounting plate 206 is then rotated so that an opposite side edge 222 is placed between the fingers 216 of the security element 208. The fingers 216 of the security elements 208, 210 apply a deflection force securing mounting plate 206 and fixed regulator 54 to side panel 18.

As a result, the mounting plate 206 and the regulator 54 carried by the mounting plate 206 are secured to the side panel 18 without the aid of conventional fasteners, such as threaded screws or bolts. This eliminates the need for such conventional fasteners and simplifies installation and removal. Referring to Figure 10 and in accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is shown a dry gas production system 240 which includes a housing or enclosure 242 housing a compressor 244, a membrane dryer 246, a set of particles and coalescing filters 248, 250, 252, and an electronic controller 254 that controls the operation of the compressor 244. The compressor 244 is a rotary screw compressor and the controller 254 incorporates a variable frequency drive, which was described in detail above, which energizes the compressor motor 244 and has the ability to vary the speed of the compressor motor. The above description applies to the variable speed implemented in controller 254. Rotary screw compressor 244, which is a type of positive displacement compressor, implements a plurality of constant tap rotors (not shown) that each include lobes helical to produce compression when the rotors are rotated. A fluid, such as air, extracted in the rotary screw compressor 244 is trapped between the rotors and compressed at a designated discharge pressure. Although the present invention has been illustrated by a description of several preferred embodiments and although these embodiments have been described in considerable detail in order to describe the best mode of practicing the invention, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the claims annexed to said detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention by itself should be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A dry gas production system comprising: a housing with an access opening; at least one dry gas production module including a compressor; and a support element configured to support at least one dry gas production module within said housing, said mobile support element relative to said housing for moving at least one dry gas production module relative to said access opening .

2. The dry gas production module according to claim 1, further characterized in that said support element is a mobile shelf adapted to support at least one dry gas production module.

3. The dry gas production system according to claim 2, further characterized in that said mobile shelf includes a pair of parallel arms that support said dry gas production module, each of said arms includes at least one opening of pin, and at least one dry gas production module includes at least one outwardly projecting pin that engages at least one pin opening when at least one dry gas production module is supported by said shelf.

4. - The dry gas production system according to claim 3, further characterized in that it comprises: a vibration isolator between one of said arms and at least one dry gas production module, said vibration isolator includes an elastomeric bag with a internal reservoir pneumatically coupled with said compressor, and said internal reservoir of said elastomeric pouch is inflated by gas supplied from said compressor.

5. The dry gas production module according to claim 2, further characterized in that said movable shelf includes a plurality of bearing elements that support said movable shelf for movement through said access opening.

6. The dry gas production system according to claim 5, further characterized in that said housing includes a plurality of detents each adapted to engage one of said bearing elements when said movable shelf is placed within said housing.

7. The dry gas production system according to claim 5, further characterized in that said housing includes a flange placed close to said access opening, and said mobile shelf includes a flange placed next to said rolling elements, said flange of said movable shelf configured to engage said flange of said housing when said movable shelf is parked within said housing and said bearing elements are supported on said flange of said housing.

8. The dry gas production module according to claim 1, further characterized in that said support element includes a pair of drawer runners operatively coupling at least one dry gas production module for reciprocal linear movement with respect to said accommodation.

9. The dry gas production system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises: a compressor assembly that couples said compressor with said housing, said compressor assembly includes a first rigid mounting element fixed to said compressor and having a C-shaped slot, a second rigid mounting element fixed to said housing and having a C-shaped slot, and an elastomeric mesh having a first sphere coupled to said C-shaped slot of said first element rigid mounting, a second sphere coupled with said C-shaped slot of said second rigid mounting element, and a mesh interconnecting the spheres.

10. The dry gas production system according to claim 1, further comprising: an assembly of the compressor including first and second elements of the channel each mounted to said housing and first and second assembly elements "each fixed to said compressor, said first and second channel elements each have an elongated U-shaped channel, and said first and second mounting elements each have a rail placed in said U-shaped channel of one of said first and second channel elements. .

11. The dry gas production system according to claim 10, further characterized in that said compressor assembly further comprises: a first vibration isolator between said U-shaped channel of said first channel element and said first element of mounting; and a second vibration isolator between said U-shaped channel of said second channel element and said second mounting element, said first and second vibration isolators each comprising a plurality of elastomeric strips which cooperate to limit the transfer of vibration from said compressor to said housing.

12. The dry gas production system according to claim 10, further characterized in that said U-shaped channel of said first channel element has a first open side and said U-shaped channel of said second channel element. has a second open side, said first U-shaped channel oriented relative to said second U-shaped channel so that said first and second open sides open in different directions.

13. The dry gas production system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises: a compressor assembly that couples said compressor with said housing, said compressor assembly includes a first mounting element and a second mounting element said first mounting element coupled with said second plate to form an assembly having a first end and a second end opposite said first end; a first vibration isolator positioned between said first and second plates of said first end; and a second vibration isolator positioned between said first and second plates of said second end.

14. The dry gas production system according to claim 13, further characterized in that said first and second vibration isolators each comprise a plurality of elastomeric strips, said strips operate to separate said first plate from said second plate to provide a non-contacting relationship between said first and second plates.

15. The dry gas production system according to claim 13, further characterized in that said assembly is oriented, when it supports said compressor of said housing, so that said first and second plates transfer a vertical compression load to said first and second vibration isolators.

16. The dry gas production system according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one dry gas production module further comprises a filter and a differential pressure sensor, said differential pressure sensor configured to detect a first fluid pressure upstream of said filter, to detect a second fluid pressure downstream of said filter, and to produce an output signal representative of said first and second fluid pressures.

17. - The dry gas production system according to claim 16, further characterized in that it comprises: an electronic controller electrically coupled to said differential pressure sensor, said electronic controller configured to determine a condition of pressure decrease of said filter based on said output signal.

18. The dry gas production system according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one dry gas production module further comprises a membrane dryer pneumatically coupled to said compressor and a flow sensor, said dryer The membrane produces a stream of dry gas from an ambient air stream supplied from said compressor, and said flow sensor configured to detect a fluid flow velocity of said dry gas stream and to produce an output signal representative of said fluid flow velocity detected.

19. The dry gas production system according to claim 18, further characterized in that it comprises: an electronic controller electrically coupled with said flow rate sensor, said electronic controller configured to determine a change in the fluid flow rate based on a change in the output signal.

20. A dry gas production system comprising: a rotary screw compressor including a motor; and an electronic controller electrically coupled to said motor, said electronic controller includes an actuator capable of supplying power at a variable frequency to said motor to operate said motor at a variable speed in proportion to said variable frequency.

21. The dry gas production system according to claim 20, further characterized in that it comprises: a housing containing said rotary screw compressor and said electronic controller.

22. A dry gas production system comprising: a plurality of dry gas production modules each including a compressor with a motor and a membrane dryer pneumatically coupled with said compressor, said membrane dryer adapted to remove moisture from an air stream supplied from said compressor and thus generate a stream of dry gas; an operational monitoring device for detecting a condition of said dry gas stream and for generating a data signal related to said detected condition; and an electronic controller electrically coupled to said motor of each dry gas production module, said electronic controller adapted to receive a data signal from said monitoring device and to control the operation of said dry gas production modules when intermittently switching energy said motor of said compressor of at least one of said dry gas production modules.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, further characterized in that said electronic controller includes a variable frequency actuator electrically coupled to said motor of said compressor of at least one of said modules.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22, further characterized in that said sensed condition is a flow velocity or a fluid pressure.

25. A method for operating a plurality of dry gas production modules to supply a stream of a dry gas to an outlet line that couples the dry gas production modules with a space, each of the production modules of Dry gas includes a compressor, the method comprises: measuring a condition related to the dry gas stream flowing in the outlet line to the space; and selectively operating the compressor of one or more dry gas production modules in response to the measured condition.

26. The method according to claim 25, further characterized in that selectively operating the compressor further comprises: turning off the compressor of one of the dry gas production modules once the condition is raised to a predetermined upper level; and turning on the compressor of one of the dry gas production modules once the condition goes down to a predetermined lower level.

27. The method according to claim 25, further characterized in that measuring the condition further comprises: detecting a fluid pressure in the outlet line; and communicating the detected fluid pressure to a compressor control component.

28. The method according to claim 25, further characterized in that measuring the condition further comprises: detecting a flow velocity in the output line; and communicating the detected flow rate to a compressor control component.